If your kids seem to have endless energy or you just want to make some great family memories, Delray Beach has you covered. From tropical gardens to hands-on art, splash parks, and mini golf, there are plenty of spots where little ones can play, learn, and stay entertained year-round.
Let’s get to it.
Delray Beach Children’s Garden
When you visit Delray Beach Children’s Garden, you’ll see why it feels like a kid-sized paradise. The outdoor spaces mix rare tropical fruit trees, a veggie maze, cute sensory play areas with sandboxes and water tables, and even turtle ponds. There’s a real boat structure tucked into a wild fairy garden, plus a Chickee Hut where classes happen.
Their laid-back educators lead everything from garden-to-table cooking sessions to science crafts. Workshops run for preschoolers all the way up to high schoolers and cost around ten dollars, give or take a member discount. Open play is five dollars or four for members, and under-1s get in free, which is a nice touch.
Parents can drop off older kids, but everyone’s welcome to stay. The team clearly knows their stuff—safety rules are solid, and sessions run rain or shine. Whether your child is planting seeds or learning to pick cotton, this place makes getting dirty feel like pure fun.
artNEST Delray
At artNEST Delray, every kid gets to dive into art without competition. The studio focuses on process-based fun—painting, clay, collage, comic design—and never hands out gold stars. Instead, staff offer patient guidance for a hyper toddler in Little Monsters class or a tween trying woodworking and resin casting.
Classes break down by age, from hour-long workshops to week-long camps that include lunch and snacks (seriously, why isn’t this everywhere?). Small groups mean more attention, and the dedicated mess zones—like the Splash Room—handle all the paint splatters. They even have pop quizzes on potty training for camp registrations.
Safety is a priority: non-toxic materials, grip socks where needed, and parents can step away once kids hit three. No art snobs here, even for teens. If it ever feels like a contest, it’s only over who nets the last glue stick.
Arts Garage
Arts Garage in Delray Beach is the go-to spot for any aspiring little performer. This nonprofit indoor venue keeps kids cool during Florida’s heat, and offers summer camps and weekly programs in acting, playwriting, voice, dance, set design, and even video production.
Their SET THE STAGE camp runs all day for four weeks, twice each summer. If you want a shorter taste, PLACES! has one-week sessions in improv or musical theatre. Every group is small, led by real theatre pros, so kids with zero experience can still dive right in.
Parents get to watch end-of-week showcases. Family Series tickets run about ten dollars, and you might catch anything from a children’s concert to a Mardi Gras brass band indoors. Financial aid options make it easier on the wallet, too.
Candy Wonderland – Delray Beach
Candy Wonderland in Delray Beach feels like a kid-sized theme park focused entirely on sweets. It’s all indoors, so rain or heat won’t slow you down. Little ones can zoom down candy-themed slides, splash in ball pits, ride mini donut bouncers, or navigate the Candy Wonder Maze.
There’s a separate toddler area for the tiniest explorers, plus kid-sized role-play houses and a soft ninja course. The highlight might be the carousel surrounded by faux sprinkles that pop against the bright walls.
Tickets run about $22 per child and include two free adults, plus you’ll appreciate the spotless, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly space. Grip socks cost around $3 and are mandatory. Staff keep a close eye on crowd favorites, and parents can relax nearby while kids become donut bakers or dive into a sprinkles pit. It’s open every day, even holidays, so you can plan a sugar- and worry-free outing.
Putt’n Around
If you’re searching for outdoor fun beyond the beach, Putt’n Around in Delray Beach delivers. This mini-golf spot appeals to all ages: kids, teens, parents, even competitive adult groups in matching shirts. There are two 18-hole courses—The Ocean with mermaids and waterfalls, and The Everglades with bronze alligators peeking through foliage.
The layouts balance easy holes with tricky windmills and surprise slopes. Expect to dodge neon golf balls and maybe spot an iguana wandering through. A round takes about an hour, longer if you’re keeping score debates alive.
No reservations are needed, and rainchecks never expire. You can order food and drinks delivered to your hole. Prices are reasonable for South Florida, and both courses are ADA-accessible and stroller-friendly. At night, the neon lights come on and tiki drinks appear. It’s not just mini-golf—it’s a full evening event.
The Girls Strawberry U-Pick
From the moment you arrive at The Girls Strawberry U-Pick, you realize it’s not just another farm. This place checks all the boxes, especially if you’ve got kids in tow. A petting zoo lets your little ones meet goats and tropical-looking birds. At the mining station, they dig for gems they actually keep, and the duck derby will have everyone laughing, parents included.
The gardens are flat and stroller-friendly, with hand-washing stations placed just about everywhere. Inside the main barn you’ll find old-school candy, hand-scooped ice cream, and pizza from next door. There’s a bakery counter for quick sugar fixes after wrangling those duck derby champions. The train ride lasts only a few minutes but somehow it’s a big hit…expect repeat trips.
Most activities here are low-key—no special skills required, just curiosity and a good pair of sneakers. Strawberry picking takes place in winter, which feels a bit backwards, but that works in Florida. Whether you stay an hour or half a day, it’s a spot that keeps kids busy and parents smiling.
Atlantic Dunes Park
At Atlantic Dunes Park in Delray Beach, everyone finds their spot—from toddlers sprinting on the sand to birdwatchers scanning with binoculars. The real draw here is the elevated boardwalk and the nature trail winding through dunes. It’s about 300 feet of easy strolling where you might spot a shorebird or two. Lifeguards are on duty from 9 to 5, so your crew can swim without extra worry.
Parking is metered in a lot with 121 spaces, and entry is free. You’ll see families picnicking under shaded pavilions, which you can also rent for special gatherings. The rinse-off showers and clear signage make the post-beach clean-up smooth.
Accessibility is solid—there are ramps, beach mats, and even a couple of surf chairs for anyone who needs wheels to hit the sand. Between the dunes and the ocean, the vibe stays relaxed but never overcrowded. The park is open every day, year-round, with no weird seasonal closures. It’s simple, it saves you a hassle, and it nails the basics.
Catherine Strong Splash Park
As soon as the Florida sun cranks up, families head straight to Catherine Strong Splash Park in Delray Beach. This fully fenced outdoor spot has a massive splash pad with jets popping up all over the place. Toddlers to tweens turn into puddles running through the spray, and parents can actually chill a bit because it’s super safe.
Right next to the splash area you’ll find a playground with wood chips underfoot and shade structures that actually do their job. Two basketball courts and some surprisingly busy pickleball courts are across the way for older kids or anyone feeling sporty. There’s also a walking path if you want to stroll around while the action unfolds.
Benches, accessible restrooms, and rentable shaded pavilions make it easy to set up camp for the afternoon. Staff pop in and out but you mostly manage your own crew. It’s free to drop in any day of the year, so you can swing by whenever the heat calls. Between water play and dry-land fun, it’s where kids burn energy and parents get a break.
A Barrel O Monkeys Inc
A Barrel O Monkeys Inc in Delray Beach is the spot where kids under seven burn off wild energy in a safe, fun space. There’s a babies-only playgroup for non-walkers, a wobblers’ class for those finding their balance, and the popular Mommy & Me gymnastics for toddlers to preschoolers.
Inside the indoor gym you’ll spot trampolines, slides, foam pits, bars, rings, and more. Classes focus on skill-building and having fun rather than competition. Instructor-led sessions are complemented by open play times a few times a week when parents stay and supervise.
Registration packages make classes easier on the wallet, and your first visit is free. The schedule is flexible—miss a class and there’s no big deal. Toddlers can tumble, climb, or flop around while developing motor skills, and parents get to sit back and watch the progress unfold in a less chaotic setting than home. It’s a low-pressure way for kids to move and groove.
Little Town Play
When the sun’s too hot or the rain just won’t quit, Little Town Play in Delray Beach feels like a lifesaver. This indoor, fully padded play space welcomes little ones from newborns through kindergarteners, so nobody’s doing acrobatics in the baby zone. The pretend-town setup includes a mini 1950s diner, a fire station, and a beauty salon. Kids can zoom around with push toys, dig into crafts, and join themed events featuring guests like Elmo or Moana.
Parents need to join in (one adult ticket is included, and extras are a small fee), which keeps everyone involved—and off their phones. Socks are required, and the foam flooring protects knees and heads. Staff sanitizes equipment every night, so you know it’s clean. Most days offer drop-in open play, and they also run small therapy classes led by two licensed therapists. Babies under six months get in free. General admission is under $15, with multi-visit packages available if you become a regular. For safe, creative chaos without sunburn or sticky slides, Little Town Play has you covered.
Sandoway Discovery Center
If you haven’t heard of the Sandoway Discovery Center in Delray Beach, it’s the opposite of a quiet, look-but-don’t-touch museum. This place is all about hands-on marine science fun for curious minds, from toddlers to teens. Indoors you’ll find touch tanks where kids can gently explore starfish and sea urchins; gloves are tethered and staff guide every dip. Outdoors, there’s a butterfly garden, a fossil dig site, and even a beachfront boardwalk corridor.
Guided activities run about 45 minutes and cater to kids as young as three. In summer, week-long camps let groups of up to 12 dive into exploration without chaos. Accessibility is a priority—everything’s wheelchair-friendly, and a sensory-friendly tour is available on request.
Admission is tiered by age, with membership options if you plan to return. The center stays open daily until 4 pm, closing only after that. Between live-feeding demos at the shark lagoon and the chance to spot a butterfly, it’s a spot where everyone leaves with a little more wonder and zero dust.
The Little Gym of Boca / Delray
Stepping into The Little Gym of Boca/Delray, you’re greeted by bright colors, padded floors, and air conditioning that feels like a hug. This indoor gym offers classes starting at four months old—yes, tummy time counts as exercise now! Programs run year-round, so there’s always something on the calendar, even during Broward school breaks.
Classes follow fun themes like “Funny Bugs” and “Super Beasts,” turning rolls and tumbles into playtime adventures. Special camp weeks and parent survival nights give caregivers a break while certified instructors guide kids through age- and skill-appropriate routines. For the tiniest participants, parents jump in too, making bonding part of the workout. Monthly memberships include member-only events, possible sibling discounts, and the reassurance that every session is supervised. No tryouts required—just padded mats, upbeat music, and plenty of room for growing bodies to burn energy.
